Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis (“MG”) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that causes voluntary muscle weakness. Common symptoms include: a drooping eyelid, blurred or double vision, slurred speech, difficulty chewing and swallowing, weakness in the arms and legs, chronic fatigue and difficulty breathing.

A claimant with MG that files for Social Security Disability (“SSD”) benefits needs to be aware that the condition may qualify as a “listed” impairment. A listed impairment is a medical condition that is considered so severe that the claimant is presumptively deemed disabled. I represent a scientist who designed filters whose SSD application was approved in just three months based upon meeting the MG listing.

A claimant with MG can establish that he meets the MG listing by supplying evidence that he has difficulty speaking, swallowing or breathing, or has significant muscle weakness of the arms and leg. Thus, when requesting reports from the treating doctor, the focus should be on how the MG affects the activities mentioned in the listing.